The Senegal government has called for an independent international investigation into alleged corruption within the Confederation of African Football after the body controversially overturned Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final victory and awarded the title to Morocco.
In a statement, Senegal authorities described the ruling as grossly illegal and profoundly unjust, vowing to challenge the decision through international legal channels.
The controversy stems from the 18 January final in Rabat, where Senegal had secured a 1-0 win in extra time. However, the CAF appeals board later ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after players briefly walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty decision.
The decisive moment came in the 98th minute when referee Jean Jacques Ndala, following VAR consultation, awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty after a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked protests from Senegal players, most of whom left the field, except Sadio Mane.
After a 17-minute delay, play resumed, and Diaz’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal went on to win in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal.
Following an appeal by Morocco football authorities, the CAF appeals committee invoked Article 84 of AFCON regulations, declaring the match forfeited and awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco.
The decision has drawn widespread criticism, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemning the walk-off as “unacceptable” and warning such actions must not be repeated.
The incident has also prompted the International Football Association Board to review rules on handling team protests during matches.
Senegal plans legal action.
Senegalese Football Federation officials rejected the ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” and warning that it undermines the credibility of African football.
Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow said the federation believes the process lacked fairness, adding that the matter is far from resolved.
Senegal now plans to escalate the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Players have also expressed defiance, with Idrissa Gueye insisting the team will not return their winners’ medals, saying their on-field experience cannot be erased.
Corruption concerns raised
The Senegal government has gone further, calling the ruling an “unjustified attempt at dispossession” and demanding a full probe into suspected corruption within CAF structures.
The decision has reignited debate over refereeing standards, VAR use and alleged bias during the Morocco-hosted tournament. Senegal had earlier raised concerns over security and treatment ahead of the final.
Some players, including Sadio Mane, have publicly criticised what they describe as excessive corruption in African football.
The unprecedented move to overturn a final result months after the match has raised serious questions about governance and trust within CAF.
With Senegal pursuing legal action and demanding an independent investigation, the dispute appears set to continue, potentially reshaping how football disputes are handled across the continent.
